Policing Without Guns: How the UK Builds Trust and Reduces Harm

As part of my research for my upcoming book, On Thin Ice, I’ve recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Europe and examine how law enforcement operates in different parts of the world. This week, I’ll be sharing an account of my time spent in London, where I visited Scotland Yard, observed officers in action, and had meaningful conversations with those serving on the front lines. What I found were lessons rooted in calmness, restraint, and trust—values that seem to be woven into the fabric of British law enforcement.

Scotland Yard: The Legacy of Sir Robert Peel

Scotland Yard, or New Scotland Yard as it’s officially called, is more than just a building. It’s the heart of the Metropolitan Police Service, responsible for policing Greater London (minus the City of London itself). Founded in 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, this institution set the foundation for modern policing. Peel’s Nine Principles of Policing focus on gaining public trust, using minimal force, and fostering cooperation with the community—ideals that remain as relevant today as they were nearly 200 years ago.

How the UK Builds Trust and Reduces Harm

Standing in this iconic hub of policing, I couldn’t help but reflect on how Peel’s vision isn’t just historical—it’s alive and evident in how British officers approach their work. These principles aren’t just words in a textbook; they’re a way of life for the officers I met and observed.

Observing British Officers: Calm, Measured, and Effective

One of the highlights of my time in London was watching officers handle a pro-Palestinian demonstration near Trafalgar Square. These weren’t just officers from a single precinct—they came from stations all over London to ensure the event remained peaceful. What struck me most was their demeanor: calm, composed, and absolutely measured, even in potentially high-stress moments.

Their priority was clear—engage the crowd, de-escalate tensions, and maintain order without escalating conflict. They relied on communication and restraint rather than dominance or aggression, and it worked.

During my visits to Scotland Yard and Charing Cross Police Station (pictured above), I had the chance to take some time and speak with officers directly. They shared how their training emphasizes dialogue, de-escalation techniques, and non-lethal tools like Tasers and baton rounds. The approach isn’t just theoretical—it’s practical and effective.

CONSIDER THIS:

In the year ending March 2020, police in England and Wales fired their guns only five times. In comparison, U.S. officers discharged firearms thousands of times that same year. Those numbers paint a stark picture of different approaches to managing conflict.

De-escalation in Action

British policing is grounded in minimizing harm. According to the College of Policing, force was used in only 0.07% of all recorded police interactions in England and Wales in 2020. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a reflection of a philosophy that prioritizes communication over confrontation.

This approach also benefits officers. Research published in Policing and Society shows that British officers experience fewer injuries during encounters with armed individuals than officers in countries where lethal force is more commonly used. It challenges the assumption that using firearms automatically makes officers safer. Instead, it highlights how proper training and a commitment to de-escalation can create better outcomes for everyone involved.

What the U.S. Can Learn

The UK model raises an important question for law enforcement in the United States: Can we adopt some of these principles to better protect lives and build trust? Yes, the challenges in the U.S. are different—particularly with the prevalence of firearms—but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from what’s working elsewhere.

Effective policing isn’t just about having the right tools; it’s about adopting the right mindset. It’s about training officers to see de-escalation as their first response, not their last resort. Peel’s principle that “The police are the public, and the public are the police” resonates deeply here. Trust isn’t built through force—it’s earned through cooperation and mutual respect.

What I saw in London reinforced a truth I’ve always believed: law enforcement is about far more than enforcing laws. It’s about building bridges, fostering trust, and reducing harm. British officers exemplify what it means to remain calm and deliberate, even in high-pressure situations.

Looking Ahead: Lessons from Paris

But my journey didn’t stop in London. From there, I traveled to Paris, where I observed a homeless task force operation at Gare du Nord and joined officers from the 9th District Police Station during random investigative searches. In the next article, I’ll share how French law enforcement approaches these challenges and what we can learn from their methods of public safety.

Sources Cited:

Metropolitan Police Service (Scotland Yard) Website: https://www.met.police.uk/

Peel’s Nine Principles of Policing Resource: https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org/peels-principles/

Police Use of Firearms Statistics, England and Wales (2019-2020) Report: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/police-use-of-firearms-statistics-england-and-wales-april-2019-to-march-2020

College of Policing – Use of Force Report Website: https://www.college.police.uk/

Policing and Society Journal Website: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/gpas20/current